Police Ombudsman's statement following the withdrawal of a judicial review brought by the PANI, 23 January 2003

Police Ombudsman's statement following the withdrawal of a judicial review brought by the Police Association for Northern Ireland (PANI) to quash her report into events surrounding the Omagh bombing.

Thursday, 23 January 2003

The Police Ombudsman, Mrs Nuala O’Loan said:

"I am very pleased that my report stands. The challenge has been withdrawn. I have been very concerned about the effect of this on the Omagh families in the past year but they can now be assured that I confirm the content and conclusion of my report."

The main points of the agreement are as follows:

"The conclusions of the Omagh bomb report were highly critical of certain PSNI members. The Ombudsman now acknowledges, with the benefit of hindsight, that certain PSNI members should have been given notice, or better notice, of the allegations against them and a better opportunity to respond, having regard to the requirements of natural justice. The Police Ombudsman believed, however, that there was considerable urgency in the production of the report."

"The Ombudsman, having regard to all the information in her possession, now and then, confirms the contents and conclusions of her report."

"On 7th February 2002, the PBNI stated there were various issues about procedures and protocols pertaining to Ombudsman’s reports. The Ombudsman bearing in mind the importance of nature justice reaffirms her commitment to meet PSNI in order to progress this issue. PANI welcomes this."

"The parties consider that this resolution of their differences is in the public interest."